Parents urged to use registered childminders

A local childminder is supporting a new campaign by NICMA – the Childminding Association aimed at persuading parents to stop using unregistered childminders.

The charity carried out a survey of more than 200 newly-registered childminders throughout Northern Ireland which found that:

• just over one third (35%) of respondents said they knew of at least one unregistered childminder operating in their area
• nearly one in six (17%) said competition from unregistered childminders was having a negative  impact on their business

One registered childminder whose business has been affected by competition from illegal child carers is Helen Hughes who lives near Dungannon.

She has been registered since April 2009 but, since she started, she has not been able to fill all her places. She’s certain she knows the reason why.

“I’m being undercut by unregistered childminders – it’s as simple as that,” she says.

“I couldn’t charge less than my current rate because,if I did, my business just wouldn’t be viable.

“But, because unregistered childminders can take onmore children than is legally allowed, they don’t need to charge as much.”

To raise awareness among parents, NICMA is launching a major publicity drive [today – Wednesday, 18^th August] aimed at persuading parents of the benefits of using registered childminders.

Postcards containing information and advice on choosing a registered childminder will be available at libraries, doctors’ surgeries and other public venues throughout Northern Ireland.

The charity is also distributing postcards aimed at unregistered or prospective childminders, explaining the benefits of registering.

NICMA’s Director, Bridget Nodder, says many parents don’t seem to realise that unregistered childminding is illegal.

“Unlike a registered childminder, an unregistered childminder hasn’t been inspected by social services, he or she hasn’t been subject to a criminal records check, and they won’t be insured,” says Ms Nodder.

“Those are all essential safeguards which are there  to protect children and give peace of mind to parents.

“Sadly, many parents seem unaware that unregistered childminders are breaking the law and making it difficult for some legitimate childminders to stay in business.”

Ms Nodder thinks the current recession is tempting ever more parents to use unregistered childminders, but she says it’s a false economy.

“From what we’re hearing, it would seem many unregistered childminders take more children than they would be allowed if they were registered,” she explains.

“That means they can charge a lower fee but, by looking after so many children, they’re putting the children’s safety at risk, and they’re unable to provide the individual attention which registered childminders can give.”

Ms Nodder also points out that many parents stand to gain financially if they use a registered childminder.

“Many parents using a registered childminder are eligible for generous help with the cost of childcare through tax credits – that’s an advantage which those using unregistered child carers aren’t entitled to,” she says.

NICMA would like social services teams to take a more proactive approach towards unregistered childminders, but the charity would prefer that child carers operating outside the law were given the chance to register first.

“We would urge unregistered childminders to apply for registration,” says Ms Nodder.

“It’s generally a fairly straightforward process and we’re always happy to support anyone who’s having difficulty with the process.

“The great advantage of becoming registered is that you are operating as a professional and can take a pride in what you do.”

(Source: NICMA news release 17-08-2010)